Key takeaways from the panel

  • Meetings & events budgets are growing, which raises the need for strategy, visibility, and stronger supplier partnerships.
  • Domestic demand is expanding, with offbeat and Tier-II destinations moving into the spotlight.
  • Lead times are shrinking, which puts pressure on hotels, airlines, and planners to act faster and align earlier.
  • Client expectations have changed, with more focus on experience, flexibility, and measurable value.
  • Collaboration is now a competitive advantage, especially when multiple stakeholders need to respond quickly.

Demand is up, and so are expectations

As per FCM Meetings and Events Trends Report 2026, 34% of respondents expect to increase their budgets for meetings & events by 10%. Around 92% expect budgets to be the same or higher than last year. 

Budget growth points to confidence, but it doesn’t mean planning has become easier. Lead times are 18% shorter, and rising costs are impacting venues, travel, production, and suppliers at the same time.

The biggest challenge that we foresee with MICE (meetings and events) is that they come in at the last moment, and that’s something we want to mitigate going forward,” said Achin.

Emphasis on curated experiences

Clients are engaging differently. They are asking more strategic questions, and expecting their meetings and events partners to guide decisions, not simply execute briefs.

“It is no more a cookie cutter approach- booking a banquet hall, hosting a meeting, and getting over with it. It is moving beyond that, towards curation and experiences. MICE is also seeking luxury experiences, and not just pure-play hotel bed and breakfast offerings. Hoteliers are forced to think differently, and add experiential value,” said Prasoon.

Domestic demand is reshaping the map

One of the most compelling themes from the panel was the continued rise of domestic destinations.

Corporates are broadening their destination choices. Tier-II cities in India are gaining ground, driven by a mix of cost, accessibility, traveller preference, and the desire to create more distinctive experiences. 

“Domestic destinations are becoming popular. Udaipur, for instance, has been very popular of late. No one wants to sit in the boardrooms for the whole day anymore; they want headroom, time to relax. That’s where domestic comes as a strong option because flying hours are not long. Clients are looking at Kerala as well,” shared Manpreet.

“We have everything in India- diverse landscapes, rich architecture, and there is no visa requirement, which is a big advantage. There are many domestic destinations like Lakshadweep. Around 150 airports are expected to open in India over the next 5–6 years, bringing destinations closer,” said Jude.

From the airline perspective, this shift has real operational impact. Demand patterns influence route planning, pricing decisions, and capacity management. From the hotel side, the opportunity is clear, but so is the pressure. Properties in emerging destinations must operate with greater speed, flexibility, and confidence in delivery.

The connected ecosystem is now the real differentiator

The panel discussed another reality: the window between RFP and event is tightening. This is where collaboration stops being a nice idea and starts becoming an essential.

“A more integrated ecosystem where you can plan, design, and execute onsite is critical. If we build this ecosystem and get involved early with airlines and hotels, planning as per budgets and desired outcomes, we can bridge a key gap. The savings you are looking for can be achieved. We can help deliver the right savings by leveraging relationships with hotel and logistics partners,” said Manpreet.

Right collaboration means airlines, hotels, and meetings and events partners share context, align earlier and solve faster.

“In this segment (meetings and events), the three big pillars are the fulfilment partner, customer and the land provider. If all the three collaborate well, I think you are home,” said Achin. 

“We have to be agile and stay one step ahead of the curve at all times,” said Prasoon.